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Improving working conditions in the ready-made garment sector Phase 2 (RMGP II) and Building responsible value chains in Asia through the promotion of decent work in... - Cluster evaluation

eval_number:

2743

eval_url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/eval/2743

lessons_learned:

themes:

theme:

Gender equality

category:

Conditions of work & equality

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comments:

The programme targeted DIFE (and BFSCD) for gender mainstreaming. Other targeted organisations /beneficiaries were private industrial establishments, workers, and communities, with the goal of ensuring safer working conditions and well-being for women and other workers.

challenges:

It is perceived (by key informants interviewed) that the female Labour Inpsectors (LI) are entrusted with less responsibilities and authority as compared to their male colleagues. Also, female LIs sometimes face stereotypical treatment, red-tapism, expectations that they will also need to participate in corrupt practices as others in the system are engaging in.

success:

Govt. is actively participating and integrating gender into rules and regulations. DIFE has already made strides in enhancing social compliance within key sectors in Bangladesh. In addition to promoting increased participation, it is essential to place special emphasis on enabling women to assume leadership positions in both government agencies and the private sector. Efforts must be dedicated to fostering a positive mindset regarding the capabilities of women in the country. By empowering women and creating an enabling working environment, the initiative can lead to increased gender equality, improved workplace conditions, and enhanced opportunities for women to thrive and contribute to the workforce.

context:

The programme could make contributions to gender mainstreaming as the DIFE and other constituents within the government displayed positive responses and actively participated in the process. Due to the prevailing enabling situation, it is expected that continued progress on gender mainstreaming will persist, supported by further assistance as needed by the programe in the next phase. It is clear that this agenda is far from being fully achieved and continued efforts are necessary, including sustained awareness programmes, challenging societal attitudes through education and advocacy, and implementing supportive workplace policies and systems.

description:

Gender mainstreaming and an enabling working environment requires addressing societal attitudes and establishing supportive systems through continuous and consistent advocacy and innovation. The programme's continuous and consistent follow-up, awareness, and advocacy initiatives have generated a significant commitment from DIFE towards gender mainstreaming. As the DIFE GRM is 10 years long-term strategy plan, it is assumed that special attention will be given to creating opportunities and supporting women to undertake leading roles in these sectors. DIFE will expand its efforts to improve social compliance in other priority sectors, building on its success. Efforts will be made to challenge gender stereotypes and promote a positive perception of women's capacity within the country. Through the BWB, the programme initiated many innovations for empowering women workers by protecting the rights of working mothers, with a focus on long-lasting mindset changes factory floors /factory management. through comprehensive awareness campaigns at all levels.

administrative_issues:

a) Continued support to Government (in particular DIFE) b) increasing DIFE's capacity, particularly through the adoption of Gender Roadmap c) BWB initiatives can enhance the number of covering factories regarding their ongoing innovations related to wellbeing of women workers

url:

https://webapps.ilo.org/ievaldiscovery/lessons/232431

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location:

country:

Bangladesh

region:

Asia and the Pacific

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eval_title:

Improving working conditions in the ready-made garment sector Phase 2 (RMGP II) and Building responsible value chains in Asia through the promotion of decent work in... - Cluster evaluation